Belleville Senators Prospect Update - December 31st

Thank you for your service, Belleville Senators. You gave us a reason to be not completely distraught about something when we needed it most. Now that the big club is winning hockey games, you are free to plummet down the standings as you see fit.

• Friday, Dec. 20th: @ Laval Rocket - 2-1 Loss
• Saturday, Dec. 21st: VS Springfield Thunderbirds - 5-2 Win
• Thursday, Dec. 26th: @ Toronto Marlies - 3-0 Loss
• Saturday, Dec. 28th: VS Toronto Marlies - 4-3 Loss

Leevi Merilainen

With Linus Ullmark and Anton Forsberg injured amid a long West Coast road trip, Merilainen was called upon by the Sens to give them a chance to bank some crucial points and defend that coveted wild card berth. Overall, the 22-year-old accomplished his mission, looking comfortable and competent with an increasingly elusive .900 save percentage. He got his first two NHL victories, including a 30-save effort in a 3-1 win on Sunday over the Minnesota Wild.

Depending on Forsberg's health, Merilainen will start 1-2 games of the final stretch of the trip, and not only has the 2020 3rd-rounder inspired some additional confidence in his potential, but also in the team supporting him – they were getting a bit too comfortable with Ullmark in net.

Djibril Toure

The injuries to Artem Zub and Jacob Bernard-Docker have had a domino effect which has led to this undrafted CHL free agent getting an AHL opportunity, after scoring 8 points in 23 games with the ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears. In his debut against the Marlies, he got two assists and second-star honours in the 4-3 loss.

Jan Jenik

Upon returning from a multiple months-long injury, the sole remaining piece of the Alex Auld trade tree scored a goal in the club's victory over Springfield and added an assist for 5 points in 10 games. Many saw this season as a last chance for Jenik to carve out an NHL career, but it won't be easy at this point. Ottawa is deeper at center than any other position, but Jenik could still earn a call-up if he can rediscover his scoring touch from the OHL.

Stephen Halliday

Halliday, while not as dominant as in the previous weeks, was one of Belleville's more productive forwards over this four-game stretch, with a goal and an assist. Now on a point-per-game run over the last 12 he's played, the overager from the 2022 draft is Belleville's third-most productive player with 17 in 26, behind defenseman Jeremy Davies and forward Garret Pilon.

Tyler Boucher

He tripled his season points total over the past 4 games. The Ottawa Senators have won the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

Stats